West Coast star defender Jeremy McGovern has been rushed to hospital in the immediate aftermath of the Eagles’ heavy loss to Melbourne.
McGovern played the majority of Sunday’s 54-point loss, but copped a heavy knock in the dying stages.
Coach Adam Simpson revealed post-match that the 32-year-old was sent to hospital with “some sort of lung or rib issue”.
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With the team due to fly back to Perth on Sunday, McGovern might not be cleared to make the return flight.
It compounded a dirty day for the Eagles, who slumped to their 13th loss and barely fired a shot against the Demons.
They have now lost their past six matches and will see coach Adam Simpson come under more pressure.
Despite being contracted until the end of next year, 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary says Simpson’s future “will come into sharp focus”.
Heading into Sunday’s match, Simpson was forced to respond to rumours of unrest among the playing group.
Simpson put on a brave face in front of the media on Friday morning, hours after a report emerged detailing a text-message leak in which three players expressed their discontent towards the 2018 premiership coach.
He was unmoved when quizzed again about the text-message leak.
“There’s always someone who’s disgruntled,” he said after Sunday’s loss.
“We can’t apologise for trying to get better. You’d be pretty upset if everyone was really happy.
“We’ll keep working on it, we’ll stay resilient and I’ll try to lead as best as I can.”
He remains committed to the role despite the constant speculation.
“I’m here to do a job as best I can and I’ll do that until I get tapped on the shoulder,” Simpson said.
“That’s not really a question.
“I know how long the road’s going to be and I’m up for it, but if the club’s not then they’re not.
“That’s fine. I’m OK with my football mortality.”
– With AAP